Christian Nationalism Declining, and That's Good for Christians
For those concerned about the increase of Christian nationalism, the Washington Post has some news. According to sociologists Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry, authors of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, Christian nationalism is on a five-year decline in America. This would be good news, except their findings also show that Christian nationalism is increasing in public discussion.
When it comes to the decrease, Whitehead and Perry note that this is a recent phenomenon. Christian Nationalism grew in popularity from 2007 to 2017, when agreement with its principles rose from 27% to 29%. However, that number dropped 10 points from 2017 to 2022. Now, only 19% of Americans say they agree with the tenets of Christian nationalism. Whitehead and Perry note that given how recent and sharp this decline is, there are likely a host of factors contributing to the slide. Ironically, Donald Trump embracing Christian nationalist language has likely led those turned off by Trump to also to be wary of Christian nationalism. Another partial explanation may be that Christian nationalism’s most ardent supporters tend to be older, so generational turnover could account for some of the decline.
However, Whitehead and Perry also point out an increased public discussion about Christian nationalism. Those older Americans who are most likely to say they agree with the principles of Christian nationalism also vote more consistently than Americans who are in the 18-24 demographic. And then there is this troubling bit of information: “Recent experimental research shows when Christian Americans are told their numbers are declining, they respond with a greater commitment to Christian nationalism and Trump support. In other words, learning that they are or may soon be a minority pushes them toward extremist beliefs.”
Still, it would be inappropriate to accept a doom and gloom attitude toward the rise of Christian nationalism. While we may not understand why the decline is happening, a fall is still a positive sign for those who care about democracy and Christianity. The slide also shows that it is possible to change public opinion. It is still troubling to see a circling-the-wagons mentality among Christians who fear being a minority in America. But even that is not a cause to give over to despair.
If we choose to embrace it, Christianity is uniquely equipped to be a minority status in America. Christians have long been minorities throughout history; it is only in America where we have genuinely experienced both majority status and the reigns of power. And Christ does not promise that his followers will be famous and influential. Our promise is that God will bless those who follow Him. That blessing may come with influence, but that influence does not always lead to power over people. It certainly did not for Jesus himself. Those who double down on Christian nationalism when told they are becoming a minority are likely afraid of losing their way of life. The good news is that if we are willing to befriend these individuals, there is potential to overcome this fear.
5 Other Things:
1) Axios has a quick breakdown of the news that the Jan 6th Committee has issued a subpoena to President Trump for his involvement in the insurrection. For those following the Jan 6th Committee’s hearings, this should not be a surprise as the Committee has drawn clear lines to Trump’s involvement in and knowledge of the insurrection.
2) Axios also reports on President Biden’s concerns about the threats to our democracy. What is striking here is while Biden says there is nothing automatic about democracy, he expresses faith in our institutions, noting that America has been here before and been able to overcome.
3) Speaking of threats to democracy, Tucker Carlson is already claiming Kari Lake is the winner in Arizona. The Washington Post reports Carlson saying on his show, “Assuming that all votes are counted — and we should never take that on faith. We should never take that on faith; if this is a democracy, we’ve an absolute right to have it proven to us that the election was fair,” Carlson said. “If it is fair, Kari Lake’s going to win.” Language like this is asking for violence should Kari Lake not win. This is the exact playbook Trump used building up to the 2020 presidential election, which led to the January 6, 2021 insurrection.
4) The New York Times reports that GOP politicians who vilify others in tweets and speeches have done more to cause polarization than anyone else, Republican or Democrat. And what do the 139 politicians the Times reports on have in common? They have all denied the results of the 2020 election.
5) In this video from Michael Flynn’s ReAwaken America Tour, the speaker describes the Angel of Death coming for President Biden, Chief Justice Roberts, Chris Wallace, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, and an odd assortment of other politicians, pundits, reporters, and other civic leaders is dangerous. But what is truly bizarre is the mix of the prosperity gospel promises (gold and silver for Christians) with some debt cancellation as a bonus. I don’t expect coherent theology from these tours, but what is “selling” people on this movement is fascinating. For example, the crowd erupts when debt cancellation is promised. Reacting to a prayer at the tour for The Atlantic, Pete Wehner says that Flynn “is building a nationwide, grassroots movement that is fusing deranged political ideas with a mangled version of the Christian faith.” For more on Flynn, check out Frontline’s Oct. 18 documentary.